Payment system in the Caribbean Netherlands

There are five dollar coins you are likely to encounter in everyday payments: 1 cent, 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter) and 1 dollar. The half-dollar coin also qualifies as legal tender, but it is hardly ever used. For more information, see the website of the United States Mint. Coins with a nominal value exceeding $1 do not qualify as legal tender in the Caribbean Netherlands. 

Damaged banknotes are not necessarily worthless. Provided the damage is not caused intentionally and at least 50% of the banknote is preserved, you can claim reimbursement for a damaged banknote. For more information, see the website of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 

There are seven different dollar notes: $1, $2, $5, $10,  $20, $50 and $100. All of them bear a portrait of former presidents, ministers or diplomats of the United States. They have qualified as legal tender in the Caribbean Netherlands since 1 January 2011. For more information, see the website of the United States Mint. 

Since 1 January 2011 the legal tender in the Caribbean Netherlands is the US dollar, The Netherlands Antilles guilder was then abolished in favour or the US dollar. The islands' wishes were leading in the selection of a new currency, We have mainly looked at the impact on tourism and trade. 

For example, the majority of tourists visiting the islands come from countries using the US dollar. Moreover, most of the islands' foreign trade is with countries using the US dollar or a currency pegged to it. Also, most other countries and overseas territories in the Caribbean use the US dollar or a currency pegged to it as their legal tender.

This may be due to technical defects, maintenance or because the machine has run out of cash. Machines are typically available again after a few hours or days, although sometimes it takes longer.  

The Public Entity will inform residents when an ATM is out of service for an extended period. 

The banknotes used to stock the ATMs have been checked for authenticity. If you suspect that you have received a counterfeit banknote from the machine, please contact your bank.  

The banknotes used to stock the ATMs have been checked to ensure they are fit for circulation. If you receive a soiled or damaged banknote from the machine, please contact your bank.  

Please check your account first – the amount is often refunded automatically. If not, make a note of the time, date and ATM number (this information is also shown on your bank statement) and contact your bank. 

If you have any complaints about your bank’s handling of your case, please contact the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM): Reporting misconduct and signals 

Please contact the Brinks Service Desk at telephone number (1-866-610-6324), which is also displayed on the ATM. You can also use the same number to report damage or vandalism to the machine. 

Commercial banks also operate ATMs on the islands. It is up to these banks to decide whether to keep their ATMs in service or remove them. 

For residents of Saba and Sint Eustatius, no charges will be levied by DNB or Brink’s (the operator) for withdrawing money from the new ATMs. Your bank may, however, charge a fee for a cash withdrawal. Please contact your bank if you have any questions about their fees.

No, the ATMs only dispense banknotes.  

In time we will install a machine for exchanging dollar banknotes for dollar coins. We will update these Q&As as soon as this service becomes available

No. The ‘deposit checks’ slot is not in use.  

No, the ATMs do not accept deposits.  

In time, business owners will be able to deposit cash using deposit boxes. We will update these Q&As as soon as this service becomes available. 

You can withdraw $10 and $20 notes. The maximum amount you can withdraw is set by your bank.

The ATMs accept debit cards from local banks and the main international cards. At this time, cash can only be withdrawn using VISA debit cards (including VISA Debit and V-Pay) and credit cards. Public Entity and DNB recognize that many residents and visitors also rely on MasterCard services and DNB expects that it will soon be possible to use MasterCard debit and credit cards for withdrawals too.

We will update these Q&As as soon as MasterCard debit and credit cards are also accepted at DNB ATMs. You can withdraw cash using a MasterCard debit or credit card from the ATMs already in place at commercial banks.   

The ATMs dispense US dollars, the official currency on the islands. 

Insert your payment card into the ATM and enter your PIN. You can then withdraw money or check your balance. 

Most ATMs are available 24/7. The ATM at the airport on Saba is available during the airport’s opening hours. 

Saba 

• Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Airport Road 117, Zion’s Hill 

• Fort Bay Harbour, Fort Bay Road 68, The Bottom  

• The Bottom, Power Street 1, The Bottom (not yet in use) 

• Windwardside, Avocado Street 1, Windwardside (not yet in use) 

Sint Eustatius 

• F.D. Roosevelt Airport, Max. T Pandt Boulevard, Oranjestad (not yet in use)

• Statia Harbour, Van Tonningeweg, Oranjestad  

• Eutel, Van Tonningeweg, Oranjestad 

• Stuco, Mansionweg, Oranjestad (not yet in use)